Winnebago brand president Huw Bower is to step down from his role on August 31 2024 after four years with the company.
Chris West, currently senior vice president of Winnebago Industries enterprise operations and Barletta Boats, will be promoted to the role of president of the Winnebago Outdoors businesses – Winnebago-brand motorhomes, Winnebago-brand towables, and Winnebago-brand specialty vehicles – effective September 1, 2024.
During his time with the company, Huw helped guide the business through unprecedented times, brought several new industry-leading innovations to the market, and built a committed team across the brand’s motorised and towable RV businesses.
Chris joined Winnebago in 2016 to lead the company’s Enterprise Operations, with responsibility for the entire manufacturing, supply chain, and quality value streams across the Winnebago Industries portfolio.
During his time with Winnebago, Chris has worked with the company’s RV and marine businesses, built outdoor industry relationships, and driven progress and improved capabilities across key areas such as employee safety, manufacturing, strategic sourcing/supply chain management, quality, and business excellence.
We thank Huw for his contributions to our team and our business and welcome Chris to his new role.
Winnebago Industries president and CEO, Michael Happe
He also led the integration of the company’s Barletta Boats acquisition in 2021 and has provided executive oversight to a pontoon business now chasing double-digit market share growth.
“Winnebago Industries believes that time spent outside is priceless and we are committed to building a best-in-class leadership team that can deliver on our promise to elevate every moment outdoors for our partners and customers,” said Winnebago Industries president and CEO, Michael Happe. “We thank Huw for his contributions to our team and our business and welcome Chris to his new role.”
He added: “Our company has gone through a significant transformation over the last several years, but we know the best is yet to come for our team and portfolio of premium brands as we continue to grow our influence, impact and share of the RV and marine industries.”
Barletta Boats president, Jeff Haradine, will join the Winnebago Industries executive leadership team and report to CEO Michael Happe, effective September 1, 2024.
“Jeff has been a key part of Barletta’s impressive trajectory, first as a sales leader and then as president of the business over the last two years,” said Michael. “I look forward to having his people-first approach and deep marine industry insights on our top leadership team.”
